And that is the cost now before building has started when, if previous similar projects are anything to go by, the price spirals.

But a 50,000-seat stadium would provide no guarantee of sufficient income to compete at the top end of the table anyway.

Elstone uses Arsenal’s and Manchester United’s stadium models as arguments for the move but both have much larger grounds and regular Champions League income as a major funding element.

The go-ahead for a new ground in Kirkby may make Everton more attractive to potential new owners though - who presumably would be able to pay the £78m too - and if that is why it is so important to leave Liverpool, the club should just say so.